Carroll Shelby Foundation Launches Second Annual Collectible Holiday Ornament Program to Benefit Kids

The Carroll Shelby Foundation’s holiday ornament fundraising campaign was so popular in 2013, that the non-profit organization will continue the series with one that will benefit the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) this year. The Carroll Shelby Foundation will offer the new exclusive ornament, available only through the charity, kicking off on Nov. 17. The new ornament celebrates the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1965 Ford Shelby GT350.

Established by legendary automotive icon and philanthropist Carroll Shelby, the Carroll Shelby Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides medical and educational support for children from their first heartbeat through their educational years. COTA is the premier organization providing fundraising assistance to families hoping for a life-saving transplant.

“When Carroll Shelby founded this organization, he challenged fellow car enthusiasts to rally around kids in need,” said Jenni Shreeves, executive director of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “Over the years, we’ve been supporting that mission. The response to our first ornament was amazing, so we designed one for 2014. What could be more ‘Shelby’ than offering an exclusive collectible that commemorates an important milestone while also benefitting children in need.”

This year’s ornament is white with blue accents to honor the first Shelby based on a Ford Mustang. Built in December 1964, the Ford Shelby GT350 was personally unveiled by Carroll Shelby at Riverside Raceway the next month. The 1965 model year Shelby GT350s were Wimbledon white; blue stripes were an option.

The Carroll Shelby Foundation will offer the dazzling collectible ornament both online and at Carroll Shelby's Store for $20. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit COTA, an organization that provides fundraising for children in need of organ transplantation. This will be the only official Shelby Holiday ornament in the world in 2014.

“COTA provides assistance and support to families who are facing a life-saving transplant,” said Rick Lofgren, President of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. “’Giving Hope and Making Miracles’ is more than a slogan for COTA; it is our guiding vision. COTA was founded on the belief that every transplant-needy child and young adult deserves a second chance at life, and funding should never stand in the way of that.”

To learn more about the Carroll Shelby Foundation, make a donation or order an item with the exclusive commemorative signature, go to www.carrollshelbyfoundation.org. Ornaments are only available for shipment within the United States.

About The Carroll Shelby Foundation

The Carroll Shelby Foundation was created by legendary racer and automotive manufacturer Carroll Shelby. Headquartered in Gardena, Calif., the Foundation is dedicated to providing medical assistance for those in need, including children, educational opportunities for young people through automotive and other training programs and benefitting the Shelby Automotive Museum. For more information visit CarrollShelbyFoundation.org.

for The Carroll Shelby FoundationJessica Wilder, 214-520-3430 ext. [e-mail]